"That's largely due to a band of high pressure, which has been very static across the region, and that's prevented any cold fronts from moving through," he said.

The weather bureau said Sydney has had a record 32 days in a row of temperatures 26 degrees Celsius or above, breaking the previous record of 19 days.

"Persistent onshore winds have keep the high temperatures in Sydney to the low 30s, but western Sydney has experienced temperatures climbing into the 40s," Mr Phillips said.

"The most extreme conditions are across the west and the south of the state."

Bourke, in north-western NSW, has had 17 days of 38C and above, while Broken Hill Airport has had a record of six days of 38C and above.

Also, on Saturday, temperatures across almost all of NSW were more than four degrees above the March average.

Lifesavers expect to be busy until Anzac Day

Surf Lifesaving NSW director John Restuccia said the prolonged hot spell meant the number of beachgoers remained steady, despite the end of the holiday period and summer.

"The Christmas period finishes at about Australia Day, therefore the crowds usually taper off a little bit, but since it's been quite hot ... the crowds actually haven't tapered away at all," he said.

"It looks as though we're going to be busy probably through to Anzac Day."

However, he said clubs would be prepared to coincide with the increased demand for the beach.

"We understand that we've got to be there, be it rain, hail or shine," he said.

Lifesaver Michael Denny-Smith, 25, said it could be a bit of a challenge.

"It's been quite hot this summer, lots of people at the beach, lots of people probably new to the beach," he said.

Mr Denny-Smith said even western Sydney residents frequently headed east to the beaches over summer.

"When it's really hot ... people come from out west to come to the beach and you can usually tell people that don't come to the beach that often ... they're probably not as confident in the water," he said.

Parramatta resident Joe Elsabbagh is one such visitor from the west.

"I never complain about having an extended summer," he said.

"It's good to bring the family on a Sunday and enjoy the beach while we can."